Preventing substance use among young people in Dundee: Lessons from the ‘Youth in Iceland Model’

Citation

Masterton W, Carver H & Parkes T (2021) Preventing substance use among young people in Dundee: Lessons from the ‘Youth in Iceland Model’. University of Stirling Public Policy Blog [Blog post] 30.04.2021. https://policyblog.stir.ac.uk/2021/04/30/preventing-substance-use-among-young-people-in-dundee-lessons-from-the-youth-in-iceland-model/

Abstract
First paragraph: In Scotland, substance use amongst young people is a significant public health concern, with many young people reporting alcohol, tobacco, and/or drug use. Iceland had similar concerns regarding young people and substance use, but since implementation of the Youth in Iceland Model (YiIM, also known as ‘Planet Youth’), rates of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use have decreased dramatically. The YiIM is a community-based approach aiming to prevent young people’s substance use through reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors. Information about young people’s health and wellbeing, including substance use, is gathered through surveys distributed in schools. Protective factors are then developed by the community in response to the data and schools are encouraged to strengthen supportive networks between themselves, parents, and other community organisations. The model has been implemented in more than 30 countries worldwide, with adaptations to suit locally specific conditions.